Managing Stress, Finding Success

By Terry McQuaid, Director, Counselling and Accessibility Services at Seneca College

Feeling stressed? You are not alone. It’s important to look after yourself.

A moderate amount of pressure during exams helps keep us alert and ready to perform. Many students deal with multiple stressors (e.g., challenges related to disability or mental illness, caring for an elderly parent, or child, working, feeling alone) which may overlap with academic obligations.

Relaxation strategies work on both the mind and the body at the same time so our thinking becomes clearer and more organized. Slowing down and keeping your breath consistent signals to the body there is no reason to panic. Now that your breath is slower, imagine you are in a place that helps you to feel calm and relaxed (e.g., beach etc.).

Getting a good night’s rest and eating small frequent meals helps keep blood sugar levels consistent to improve concentration. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat fresh foods (e.g., veggies, fruits etc.).

Developing a study helps to avoid last minute cramming. Plan to study in a place that allows for less distractions (e.g., computer commons, library, or a quiet room) and turn off your phone!. You will retain more information if you study in smaller chunks (1-2 hours) with your phone off, than to study for 5-6 hours with the phone on. If you are having trouble knowing what to study, or how to create a study plan, a counsellor in your school’s Counselling and Accessibility Services department may connect you to resources such as a tutor or a Learning Strategist who will help you with strategies to improve your study habits.

If you feel overwhelmed, call Counselling and Accessibility Services at any of Seneca’s four main campuses or the 24 hour postsecondary student helpline called Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454. You don’t have to manage all that stress on your own – reach out now for support!